Planning a Relocation? Use Some Help!

1. ALONE OR NOT? Every move starts with a simple choice-whether or not you will do it all by yourself or you will count on professional help. Usually, if the job seems too big and heavy to complete, it is essential to call a mover to avoid chances for disaster and property damage.

2. CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS Since you will be permanently changing your address it is a good idea to give your new contact details not only to your friends and family but also to your bank, your agents and all the professional facilities you are connected to and ask them to delete the old address.

3. INVESTIGATE YOUR NEW PLACE You have to get to know both your area and your new home in advance. You have to get acquainted with the shops, the entertainment and health facilities nearby. Also, make sure that all the necessary Internet, telephone and cable services are active. Get a plan of your new home and decide how you will arrange your stuff there.

4. CLEAN UP BEFORE LEAVING It is a very good idea to dispose of all the things you don't need when moving. That includes clothes, items, furniture, devices and food. If you have time, sell whatever you can or give it to your neighbors or in the worst case scenario throw it away.

5. GETTING STARTED Take a lot of boxes, packing paper and bubble wrap and start packing the stuff from every room one after the other. Make sure that every box or bag is properly filled and won't get torn. Mark which boxes you need to take out first and which you want to take out last. This way you will know how to store the boxes in the vehicle.

6. PREPARING THE PROCESS OF MOVING Measure the size and type of the transport vehicle you will need when you have completed about 75 % of the packing. Equip yourself with dollies-furniture dolly, appliance dolly for instance if they are needed for your belongings. Also, cover the drawers and the wardrobe with a masking tape in order to protect them while your belongings are on the move.

7. LOADING YOUR STUFF Try to avoid leaving free space as much as possible in the vehicle when you store your belongings in order to prevent them from crashing into each other during the move. Place tall stuff in the corners and on the sides of the trailer (if it is a truck). In most trailers you can tie ropes. If you do so you will greatly decrease the possibility for an accident. Don't place important documents in the truck. Get a folder or a case and place them there. Keep them in the car or in a bag that you are personally holding. Secure the truck with a strong lock.

9. ARRIVAL After you have arrived, take out the essentials. If you are too tired, rest and you can store in the rest of your belongings when you have regained your strength.

10. GETTING PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE When paying for a mover, search everywhere-both in your own country and abroad. He has to be qualified and his company has to have all the proper licenses and insurances. Get in contact with several companies and then choose the best one.

11. PAYMENT Learn about the possible ways to perform the move and mind all the expenses that you will have to deal with along the process. Usually prices go up when a lot of belongings and a long transport distance are demanded by the client.

12. PERSONAL ATTENTION Keep the mover's attention to everything that worries you about the move and ask for advice. Finally, sign a contract which is eligible and thorough.